The 'Healthy Mother Project' implemented by the Department of Health (DOH), Ministry of Health (MOH), Myanmar and the Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP), with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) continues to go from strength to strength. From 22nd to 29th November, JOICFP jointly conducted training-of-trainers (TOT) for MCH promoters, and training for MCH promoters by the new trainers.

The TOT for MCH promoters was carried out in the two project sites of Naungcho and Kyaukme with a total of 75 participants, including Midwives, Health Assistants and Lady Health Visitors. Township and District Medical Officers facilitated the training. Participants were reminded of the project purposes and the objectives of the MCH Promoters and were taught client-friendly communication skills, as well as basic knowledge on safe motherhood such as antenatal care.

The TOT also included careful detail instructions and tips about how to train the MCH promoters themselves.

During a role-play for training-of-trainers

The MCH promoters also developed and performed role-plays to strengthen the understanding of client-service relationships, and the newly developed community pamphlet to introduce the project was utilized.

The training greatly contributed to the participants understanding the objectives of the MCH promoter system, and this will help reduce the maternal mortality rate in the area.

Some of the MCH promoters receiving training
from the new trainers

Training plans were developed for the training of MCH Promoters during the TOT. It is expected that by early 2007 with monitored training, over 1,000 selected MCH promoters will be trained in Kyaukme, and over 700 in Naungcho.